(Editor’s Note: A version of this letter was sent to the members of the Hommocks Student Council.)
The Sheldrake Environmental Center is truly grateful to receive the proceeds of this year’s “Rock Out, Reach Out” concert at the Hommocks. We would like to thank all the students who participated, both as musicians and as audience for this amazing event.
In tough times, it’s easy for people to fall into the “Somebody Syndrome”: somebody will support good causes; somebody will do a fund-raiser; somebody always makes certain that local programs keep going. It takes real caring, thought, and energy to follow through on the recognition that everybody needs to be “somebody.” Clearly, Hommocks students have figured that out! That lets our whole community feel hopeful about the future.
Your gift of $1350 comes at a particularly worrisome time for Sheldrake. We know there are families who want their children to have the fun and learning our summer programs can provide. We also know some families are having a hard time figuring out how to pay enrollment fees. Your donation, therefore, will go to scholarship assistance so more children than we had thought we could help will be able to attend our summer ecology program.
Have a wonderful summer, Hommocks students. Feel good knowing that your concert and generosity have made it possible for other children also to have a very special summer at Sheldrake.
Marie R. Venezia
Executive Director, Sheldrake Environmental Center